Addiction, obsession, and fear, but not on my watch.

I had the pleasure of traveling early morning on Sunday, March 10, 2024.? Why did I use the word “pleasure?”? Sarcasm.? What makes that date so special.? First, that fateful Sunday was daylight savings time.? So, my 5:55 am flight was really 4:55 am.

With that advanced knowledge that I had obtained by my keen awareness and diligent research (found out by happenstance 48 hours before my departure), I was planning to get to the airport only about an hour before my flight.?? This leads to second reason that day was so “special.”? It was spring break.?

I have not seen that much chaos at our small airport.? With my specific plan of getting there as late as possible, combined with the very lengthy lines to check bags, I was prepared to simply carry all my luggage on the plane.? Which I did.?

However, those events were not my biggest concern of that moment.? My biggest nightmare occurred at some point between midnight and 2 a.m.? Not a nightmare in the REM sleep way, but way worse.? My watch stopped working.?

Some of you are thinking…that is not a big deal.? Others can relate to me when I make this statement.? I am addicted to my watch.?

Now my addiction maybe different than some.? I do not get notifications from any app, or text message or phone calls on my watch. I shut off all those functions.? My watch has been strictly for keeping track of two of my obsessions.? Working out and my step count.?

I have been a Fitbit user for many years.? In fact, I think I have been on my fourth Fitbit watch.? To highlight my obsession, two of those watches I bought at the same time.? They were discounted and it gave me an opportunity to have a “back up.”?

This time I did not have a backup. But what is the concern?? It is just a watch.? If I do the work…who cares.? Right??

Wrong.? Not to me.? For some reason, I was not only addicted to my watch, but I was also addicted to all the data collected by my use of it.? It is as if I need that validation or confirmation of all my work.? Proof that I did it. ?Is that Weird?? For sure.? You would think I would focus on how I felt, or my energy level.? But somehow, I need my watch to tell me how I should feel.?

The most important data kept track of one of my most coveted "accomplishments.”? That is my streak of 10,000 steps per day.? Since February 1, 2020, I have taken a minimum of 10,000 steps per day.? Rain, shine, snow, sickness, fatigue… I made sure to keep this streak alive.? The beauty of my Fitbit was the data……it was all there.?

Not having my watch working meant no data (in one "centralized" location). Fear came over me.? I felt like I would lose my streak.? I needed to address the crisis head on.? Find a store when I land and buy a new Fitbit.?

Time on the flight provided me space for clear thinking.? I was very comfortable with the Fitbit, because frankly it was comfortable.? It was comfortable because it was familiar.? But what if I was missing out on something better??

I decided to take my time and go a few days without a watch.? I would keep the streak alive by taking my phone with me on my walks.? (I know, still needing validation).? ?With my "watch break," I did some research.? I decided on a Garmin.? I was familiar with Garmin as a few people I know have it and seem to enjoy it.? I also found a less expensive one that was highly rated on Consumer Reports.?

I went five days without out a watch.? Not exactly the equivalent of the physical endurance and mental toughness it would take to get through Hell Week for Navy Seal training.? But it was difficult, for me.?

I have been wearing my Garmin for about ten days and am loving it.? There are some things I miss about the Fitbit, but overall, I am very pleased with my new watch. For me and what I do, it is an improvement over my old one.?

All of this made me realize. I have constant expectations that my daily routine and generally my life will go as “planned.”? Frustration occurs when those expectations are not met.? Even though those moments are uncomfortable, it presents opportunity.? That opportunity may lead to something better.?

Have I learned my lesson?? Only time will tell.? Speaking of…..my Garmin tells me it's time to move.